A Front-of-Pack Nutrition Logo: A Quantitative and Qualitative Process Evaluation in the Netherlands

• Published in: Journal of health communication 2009-10, Vol.14 (7), p.631-645
• Main Authors: Vyth, Ellis L., Steenhuis, Ingrid H. M., Mallant, Sanne F., Mol, Zinzi L., Brug, Johannes, Temminghoff, Marcel, Feunekes, Gerda I., Jansen, Léon, Verhagen, Hans, Seidell, Jacob C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitudes; Awareness; Biological and medical sciences; Body Mass Index; Consumer Behavior; Consumer goods; Female; Focus Groups; Food Labeling - legislation & jurisprudence; Food production; Health; Health technology assessment; Humans; Labelling; Male; Medical sciences; Metabolic diseases; Middle Aged; Miscellaneous; Netherlands; Nutrition; Nutritive Value; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Qualitative analysis; Quantitative analysis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1081-0730; 1087-0415
• DOI: 10.1080/10810730903204247

This study aimed to perform a quantitative and qualitative process evaluation of the introduction of the Choices logo, a front-of-pack nutrition logo on products with a favorable product composition, adopted by many food producers, retail and food service organizations, conditionally endorsed by the Dutch government, validated by scientists, and in the process of international dissemination. An online questionnaire was sent to adult consumers 4 months after the introduction of the logo (n = 1,032) and 1 year later (n = 1,127). Additionally, seven consumer focus groups (n = 41) were conducted to provide more insight into the questionnaire responses. Quantitative analyses showed that exposure to the logo had significantly increased. Elderly and obese respondents reported to be more in need of a logo than younger and normal-weight individuals. Women perceived the logo more attractive and credible than men did. Further qualitative analyses indicated that the logo's credibility would improve if it became known that governmental and scientific authorities support it. Elderly respondents indicated that they needed a logo due to health concerns. Consumers interested in health reported that they used the logo. Further research focusing on specific target groups, forming healthful diets, and health outcomes is needed to investigate the effectiveness of the Choices logo.